Creating a Healthy Home Environment for Babies
If you have a child who is crawling or walking, then you’ve probably already noticed: Once they’re mobile, they’ll try to get into everything. They’ll put everything in their mouths. Curious, they are, and hazards abound!
Part of raising your little one is making sure that your home is baby-friendly. This means, among other things, that it’s safe and clean.
In this blog, we’re talking about how to create a healthy home environment for babies and toddlers, offering you actionable tips for improving your surroundings.
6 Ways to Make Your Home Healthier for a Baby
Every home is different, and so is every parenting style. But these tips are generally universal and will help you make your home a place where your baby can safely play and thrive as they grow.
1. Choose Silicone Over Latex
Baby bottles can be made from different materials. Of note, the nipples are often made of either latex or silicone. Both offer different benefits. For instance, latex nipples are softer and more flexible, so some babies prefer them.
However, silicone is less porous, which means that it’s easier to clean, won’t hang onto as many germs, and won’t carry any smells, unlike latex. Silicone is also a little tougher and can withstand heat, so it lasts longer and won’t break down like latex will. Plus, humans are less likely to be allergic to silicone compared to latex.
None of this is to say that latex nipples are unsafe. But consider sticking with silicone for that extra peace of mind. In general, opting for silicone-based materials around the house is usually a safe option for the reasons we’ve discussed. This can include silicone toys, eating utensils, play mats (more on that in a minute), bibs, pacifiers/clips, and plates.
2. Purify Their Drinking Water
There might be all sorts of impurities lurking in your tap water, and they could be harmful to your baby. For instance, lead (which can come from the plumbing) can slow the development of learning, behavior, and hearing in babies. Plus, it can damage the brain, nervous system, and kidneys.
Microplastics are another serious concern. They can lead to oxidative stress, organ dysfunction, DNA damage, immune system problems, neurotoxicity, metabolic disorder, and reproductive and development toxicity.
A water purifier is a hassle-free way to remove up to 99% of the contaminants in your child’s drinking water. This includes microplastics, heavy metals, arsenic, and forever chemicals.
3. Choose the Right Bedding Materials
Babies spend a lot of time sleeping, so if you want to achieve a healthy home environment, ensuring their bedding is made with safe and hygienic materials is key.
Bamboo is nice because it’s soft, breathable, and retains its shape and quality even after washing. Just ensure it’s true bamboo. Some brands use synthetic bamboo.
Cotton is durable, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Linen is good for regulating their temperature, and fleece is easy to wash and perfect for winter. For the mattress specifically, latex is a common choice for parents.
Avoid fur — the fibers can easily be ripped out and eaten — and vinyl, which can be harsh on their skin due to how it’s made.
4. Rethink Your Flooring
We know you probably don’t want to rip up all your carpeting, but here are a few things to consider for babies who crawl or walk.
Carpeting is really good at trapping contaminants and allergens. The longer the fibers (think shag carpets), the worse it is. Plus, carpeting, carpet pads, and the adhesive used to install them can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air you breathe. That’s often what you smell when you unpack a new rug.
Look for non-toxic play mats for babies, which are sometimes made out of organic cotton; foam that is free of lead, BPA, and phthalates; and silicone. These mats are usually machine-washable, making for easy cleaning.
For any carpeting that your baby will still come into contact with, make sure to vacuum it throughout the week using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. Once or twice a month, shampoo it and let it completely dry.
5. Use an Air Purifier in Their Room
Air pollution is significantly worse indoors than it is outdoors — usually two to five times higher, although it can be 100 times higher inside. Since your baby probably spends a lot of time indoors, this isn’t something to dismiss.
Asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead, pesticides, radon, formaldehyde, and toxic chemicals from cleaning products are just a few potential indoor air contaminants. Thankfully, an air purifier can remove up to 99.97% of them. Make sure you’re using one with multiple layers of filtration, including a medical-grade HEPA 13 filter, activated carbon, and UV-C light.
You can place your air purifier in your baby’ room or anywhere else they spend a lot of time. Sans can cover up to 1,560 square feet in just one hour.
6. Bonus Tip: If You Have an Older Home, Check it for Lead
The federal government banned the consumer use of lead-based paint in 1978. In 1986, Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act to prohibit the use of pipes that were made with lead.
If you live in a newer home, lead shouldn’t be an issue. However, in older homes, it’s wise to get them tested. The EPA recommends getting a certified professional to determine if and where there is lead-based paint in your home. To check for lead in your plumbing, the best thing you can do is test the water itself for the contaminant.
We know what you might be thinking: Wouldn’t it just be easier to roll your baby in bubble wrap? While creating a healthy environment for your little one might be neverending, these six tips are a great place to start and will prevent many contaminants from causing harm.